Manchester United and Manchester City both turned down the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix before he completed a loan move to Barcelona. The 23-year-old forward had been linked with several European giants before making the move to the Catalan side on transfer deadline day.
Felix’s dream of playing for Barcelona was well-known, as he publicly expressed his admiration for the club. However, these comments did not sit well with Atletico boss Diego Simeone or former club winger Paulo Futre. According to Futre, Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, had discussions with Manchester United about signing the forward, but the club was not interested in pursuing a deal. It is also reported that Manchester City snubbed the transfer.
Futre revealed in an interview with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero: “When Joao said he dreamed of playing for Barca, I began to live a nightmare that lasts to this day. I called Jorge Mendes and told him about Joao’s statements, and he said no. We argued on the phone, and he told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I can verify what he told me because I have friends, and they said it was true. Later, he had spoken with Manchester City, and I also checked, and they didn’t want Joao either.”
Despite the lack of interest from top Premier League clubs, Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, where he made 20 appearances and scored four goals. Since joining Barcelona on loan, he has already managed three goals and two assists from four games.
The only serious interest from the Premier League came from Aston Villa, who had an agreement with Atletico at the start of July. Futre expressed confusion over the lack of interest in Felix from top clubs, saying, “What happened between Joao and Diego Simeone happens every day in football. It’s something normal. What is not normal is that phenomenal coaches knew that Joao was a genius, but nobody wanted him. Neither Arteta, nor Guardiola, nor Klopp, any club… My question is why? The only team that has wanted him has been Aston Villa. Joao said no when there was an agreement between Atletico and Aston Villa at the beginning of July.”
It is surprising to see such talented players being overlooked by top clubs in the Premier League. Joao Felix has shown immense potential and has already made an impact at Barcelona. His skills and abilities on the field make him a valuable asset for any team. However, it seems that Manchester United and Manchester City did not see him as a good fit for their squads.
The decision to snub Joao Felix may come as a surprise to many football fans, especially considering the success he has had at such a young age. It remains to be seen how his loan spell at Barcelona will unfold and whether he can prove his worth to the club and attract more interest from top clubs in the future.
In conclusion, Manchester United and Manchester City both turned down the opportunity to sign Joao Felix before he joined Barcelona on loan. Despite his impressive performances and potential, the Premier League clubs did not see him as a good fit for their squads. It remains to be seen how Felix’s career will progress at Barcelona and whether he can prove his worth to the club and attract more interest from top clubs in the future.